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Bars where Pete has had a Drink (3,476 bars; 1,545 bars in Seattle) - Click titles below for Lists:

Bars where Pete has had a drink

Thursday, February 22, 2018

#2619 - Slim's Bar and Grill, Lind, WA - 9/12/2014

Slim's Bar & Grill, Lind, WA

If you like old, historic bars -- or if you like any bars with a lot of character (and a few characters), whenever you are in eastern Washington it will be well worth going out of your way to stop in Lind, WA and Slim's Tavern, one of my very favorite old bars in the state. There you'll probably find Floyd "Skip" Thompson, an ex-Marine who purchased the place 40 years ago and plans to continue running the place until he the day he dies. The traditional American food from the restaurant portion looked very good, but we had eaten shortly before arriving. The drinks are pretty simple and standard, but it is the place itself that is the major attraction. The walls of the fairly large main floor are filled with historical photos and artifacts. Every single person there was super welcoming, and ready to tell us stories of the place. And if you have not been yet, be sure to ask if you can take a look downstairs, which is fairly extraordinary, and worth the risk that you won't come out alive.

Slim's Bar & Grill, Lind, WA

I have found sources stating that Slim's was founded in 1909, 1912, 1913 and 1916. They all agree that it was founded by G.L. "Slim" Nichols, and the source that seems to have the best background information is the June 3, 1963 issue of the Lind Leader, which dates it to 1916. This article goes on to say that in 1946 Nichols retired and left the bar and restaurant in the hands of his son George Nichols and son-in-law Wendell Longmeier. It was then sold to Paul Casey in the 50s, and subsequently run by J.R. Winborn, Floyd Duncan, and Merlin Toland. We chatted with Ray Baker, a friend of Skip's, who has helped with some work on the place and doubts that Skip makes any money at all off the place these days.

Slim's Bar & Grill, Lind, WA

Last but not least, if you happen to be headed to Slim's around the second week of June -- or if you are just looking for the ideal time to go -- you absolutely must check on the dates of the annual Lind Combine Demolition Derby, which is preceded by a parade through town.